This oil is considered to be the best nutritional oil for health because its essential fatty acid (EFA) profile is closest to that required by the human body. Essential fatty acids are termed as such because the body cannot manufacture them. Therefore, they must continually be replenished in the diet. EFAs are not stored or used for energy as are other fats. Instead, they are used as raw materials for cell structure and as precursors for the synthesis of many of the body’s vital biochemicals, including hormones and prostaglandins.

Hemp seeds are the only natural source to boast of having the ideal ratio of EFAs required by the human body, which is roughly 3:1 of omega-6 to omega-3, the two most important EFAs. Flax oil ranks second as a valuable EFA source, but flax seed is not in the optimal proportion. Rather, it has the opposite ratio – 1:3. After about two years of regular use, flax seed can eventually cause omega-6 deficiency symptoms.

By weight, hemp seed is 30-35% oil, of which 80% consists of polyunsaturated EFAs, specifically the two most important ones – linoleic acid (LA – omega-6 at 60%) and linolenic acid (LNA or ALA – omega-3 at 20%). These are the parent compounds which build longer-chain fatty acids. LNA then converts to DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) – two of the most critically needed forms of EFA and LA converts to AA (arachidonic acid), which has opposite effects of those from DHA.

An excess of AA – the result of too much omega-6 – ultimately leads to such health problems as inflammation and, more importantly, increases blood clotting, which can cause heart attack, stroke, or embolism. In the last 40 years, the American diet has become loaded with excess omega-6 from corn and soybean oil, margarine, and similar processed fats. At the same time, Americans eat 500 mg of omega-3 per day, much less than they need. Consequently, instead of the 3:1 ratio they should be getting, most people consuming the western-type diet, end up with a ratio of 50:1 Read more

One tablespoon of hempseed oil or 1 ounce of shelled hempseed per day supplies roughly 6.6 grams of omega-6 and 2.2 grams of omega-3s, which is the right amount required for a 2000-calorie diet.

RealFarmacy’s .02: Why not flaxseed? Flaxseed has a ton of omega-3’s and is best for treatment of an omega-3 deficiency. For long-term health maintenance, hemp seed is a better alternative due to the ratio that the human body demands, which is roughly 3:1 (omega-6 to omega-3). Raw hemp seed has this ratio therefore no additional supplementation is required to achieve proper balance. Flaxseed(0.25:1) or chia seed(0.33:1) may safely remain a mild to moderate part of a healthy diet as long as a sufficient amount of omega-6’s are ingested as well. A long-term diet high in flax or chia seed and low in other foods containing omega-6’s will result in health complications due to omega-6 deficiency.